Business Digest

Prevent online fraud
In recognition of Internet Safety Month, Central Bank, located at Bruce B. Downs and County Line Road, offers these seven tips to help consumers avoid online fraud:

• Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
• Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
• Watch out for phishing scams. These scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from unfamiliar sources. (Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at – and to the company, bank or organization impersonated in the email).
• Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name and so on. Be wary of requests to connect from strangers.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about the information you send over it.
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
• Read the site’s privacy policies. These policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

For more information on internet security or Central Bank, visit CentralBankFL.com.

Free Cybersecurity forum
Small business owners and administrators are invited to a free breakfast panel discussion on “Protecting Your Organization from Cyber Breaches.”

The panel will on June 15 at 8:30 a.m., at Saint Leo University. It will be moderated by Krista Covey, director of the SMARTstart Business Incubator in nearby Dade City. The incubator is a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council. The panel will help identify threats to small businesses and strategies to counter such dangers.

North Tampa chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on June 9, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11: 30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

Guest speaker is Terry Hitchcock, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and sometimes dubbed the “Real Forrest Gump.” He is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. In 1996, he ran 75 marathons in 75 consecutive days (about 2,100 miles), arriving at the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics to honor single parents and their children. A documentary, “My Run”, chronicled his life story. He is author of “American Business: The Last Hurrah?”, and co-authored “A Father’s Odyssey.”

Reservations are being accepted. The cost is $21, whether you eat or not, and is payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Keith Wiley, Pasco County’s natural resources manager. He will discuss the county’s Environmental Land Acquisition and Management Program, or ELAMP.

The cost is $20 you RSVP by June 10, and $25 after and at the door.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Grant winners
Women-n-Charge awarded two $1,000 grants to two area businesswomen. The first went to Celeste Kellar, the principal of Pepin Academies Pasco. The charter school serves students, with learning disabilities, in grades three to 12. Plans are ongoing to find a permanent location in Pasco County and create a state-of-the-art therapeutic learning environment for the education, social and emotional needs of students. Learn more at Pasco.PepinAcademies.com.

The second grant went to Jan Roberts, co-owner of Roberts Ceiling Cleaning. Her company opened in 2015, and provides ceiling and wall cleaning services to commercial office buildings, event locations and restaurants. Learn more at RobertsCeilingCleaning.com.

The mission of Women-n-Charge is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively. The group meets the first Friday of the month at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

For information, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

 

Asturia names amenity manager
Asturia recently named Jonathan Houchens as its amenity manager.

Houchens will manage Asturia resident events and the 5,800-square-foot clubhouse. Amenities at the clubhouse include a playground, parks, picnic areas, a pavilion, multi-use paths and a pedestrian bridge spanning a centrally located lake. The clubhouse offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, covered outdoor living rooms, a resort-style swimming pool and wide lawns for recreation.

Growing business
Air Hawk Heating and Cooling is setting up shop in a new location at 2436 Merchant Ave., Suite 102, in Odessa. Owner Joseph Massa started his business nearly two years ago by working by himself out of his home. He now has eight employees and a business that serves northern Pinellas County, western and central Pasco County, and the southern Hernando County area. He offers repair service, maintenance and installation of air-conditioning equipment for residential and commercial customers, and for new construction.

For information, contact Massa at (813) 929-4295 or .

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly meeting on June 2 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Ron Yasurek, general manager of Mosaic’s Plant City facility.

Yasurek will talk about the company’s phosphate operations and the mission of helping the world grow the food it needs.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Ribbon cutting
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union will have a ribbon cutting on June 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 28909 State Road 56. Come enjoy this free event.

For information, contact the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on June 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

Seeking entrepreneurs
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc., is seeking entrepreneurs or independent retailers to bring its Sears Hometown Stores format back to the Zephyrhills area, according to a news release from Sears Hometown Stores.

The company’s outlet inside the Kmart in Zephyrhills recently closed.

Sears Hometown Stores offers brand names including Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid and Whirlpool, an assortment of lawn and garden equipment, Craftsman tools, fitness equipment and mattresses at discount prices.

Its in-store kiosks also connect customers with the full range of goods and services available on Sears.com.

Potential investors can open a stand-alone store of about 8,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet or add a Hometown store to their existing business as a “store within a store.”

The Sears Authorized Hometown Stores Program is not considered a franchise program. For information, contact Jackie Adams, regional development manager for Sears Hometown Stores, at (678) 524-5062, or visit OwnASearsStore.com.

New restaurant
Pollo Tropical restaurant is headed for construction at Cypress Creek Town Center on property being developed by Sierra Properties, on the north side of State Road 56. Pasco County’s building construction services department issued building permits within the last two weeks for the fast-food chicken eatery, which will have about 3,600 square feet of indoor space and more than 400 square feet of patio outside.

The northern side of the planned town center is across from Tampa Premium Outlets, where Wesley Chapel Boulevard, State Road 56 and State Road 54 meet.

Name change
Premier Lifestyle Management is the new brand name for the former Premier Concierge Services. The company also launched a new website. The company serves the Tampa Bay and New York City metropolitan areas offering help to busy professionals with all aspects of their personal, home and business lives.

For information, visit the new website at PLM.management.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on May 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Royal Lanes, 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz. The chamber will have a new member orientation before the mixer.

The free event is sponsored by Royal Lanes.

For information, email , or call (813) 909-2722.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on May 26 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Santiago Corrada, chief executive officer and president of Visit Tampa Bay.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

For information, email , or call (813) 994-8534.

Uber ride and mentorship
In partnership with Working Women of Tampa Bay, the ride-share service, Uber is offering local professionals, entrepreneurs, students and aspiring executives a ride and a chance to meet and learn from Tampa Bay’s female business leaders. The special offer will be available on May 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enter the promo code TBMENTOR to unlock the special MENTOR option. If available, you will be randomly matched with a mentor and picked up curbside for a free 15-minute mentorship session. Have your resume ready or a list of goals you would like to discuss. Get career advice, pitch an idea or just glean as much wisdom as you can.

At the end of the session, you will be returned to your pickup location. Demand will be high and availability may be limited.

Mentors may include Trimeka Benjamin, president of Swim Digital Group; Dion Lim, anchor of 10 News CBS Tampa Bay; Lori Rodriguez, business development executive of Frazier & Deeter; Jenn Greacen, executive director of Clear Labs; Kathleen Shanahan, chairwoman of Uretek Holdings; Jessica Rivelli, founder of Working Women of Tampa Bay; and Yvonne Fry, chief fry cook of Fryed Egg Productions.

For information, follow @Uber_Florida on Twitter for more details and updates on mentors.

Ribbon cutting
Gear Spinners will host a ribbon cutting on May 31 at 4:30 p.m., with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 25344 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel.

Gear Spinners, founded by Thomas Giella, recently moved out of the SMARTstart incubator space in Dade City to its new office location. On May 12, Gear Spinners received the incubator member of the year award from SMARTstart, which is sponsored by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The company, which offers website design and other online services, also added two divisions, Complete I.T. Computer Repair and Tampa Bay Home Theater Installs. Finger foods and drinks will be available on first come, first serve basis. Gear Spinners will be offering special promotions during the week of May 31.

For information, call (813) 235-0554, or visit GearSpinners.com.

 

New gas service business
Thomas and Stephanie Chandler are celebrating their new LP (liquefied petroleum) gas service business – Monkey Wrench Home Services. The couple serves commercial and residential customers in the greater Zephyrhills area. The company also specializes in servicing LP gas appliances including ranges, cooktops, fire pits, pool and spa heaters, and compressed air lines.

Thomas Chandler has more than 10 years of experience in the LP gas business. For information, contact Monkey Wrench Home Services at (813) 714-7427, or email .

Honorary mayor
The Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) awarded the honorary title of “Mayor of Carrollwood” to former four-time Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. He received the title at the organization’s 30th Anniversary Gala at the Carrollwood Country Club in Tampa on May 13.

To kick off the meeting, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan presented the CABA board of directors with a commendation for their work on behalf of the Carrollwood community and local businesses.

About 20 VIPs who could not attend received “video shout outs” for their service including Governor Rick Scott, former Tampa Mayor Bob Martinez and Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee.

CABA began 30 years ago with a small group of concerned business owners who worried that the widening of North Dale Mabry Highway would harm area businesses during construction. Now, more than 500 business professionals are CABA members.

Alcohol license
On May 10, Pasco County commissioners approved an application for sales of beer, wine and liquor at the proposed Longhorn Steakhouse at Tampa Premium Outlets. The approximately 5,700-square-foot restaurant will be built as a standalone structure outside the outlet mall on the south side of State Road 56, and east of Creek Grass Way.

The steakhouse is one of several restaurants under construction at the mall, including Cheddar’s Casual Café, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Chick-Fil-A. Culver’s restaurant opened outside the mall in February.

Medical ribbon cutting
Fast Track Urgent Care will have a ribbon cutting on May 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5504 Gateway Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, tour the new facility, and take home goodies.

For information, call Chelsea Sweet at (813) 925-1903, or email .

Business forum
A Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will take place May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

The guest speaker will be Thomas Giella, owner of Gear Spinners. Giella will discuss how to keep company websites and computer networks secure.

Cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP required as maximum of 15 seats available.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Ribbon cutting
CORE Spinal & Rehabilitation Center will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 5900 Argerian Drive, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

Come out and celebrate this free event.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, call (813) 994-8534, or email .

Open house
First in Property Management will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

This is a free event.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, call (813) 994-8534, or email .

 

Eyeglasses donated
The Wesley Chapel Lions Club collected 824 eyeglasses as donations during the first three months of 2016. Club members thank everyone for donating at the drop box location at Sweet Darling Quilts, at 26240 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Grand Oaks Plaza. The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai, at 27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact Debbie Amyotte at (813) 708-4282, visit the Facebook page or visit wesleychapellionsclub.com.

New financial advisor
Christopher Morris has joined the Trinity office of Wells Fargo Advisor as a financial advisor. He has three years experience in the financial services industry. Previously, Morris worked as a police officer where his most recent employment was with the City of Temple Terrace as a detective, SWAT team member and chairman of the Police Pension Board.

Morris is a Philadelphia native who has lived in Land O’ Lakes for 10 years. He and his wife, Hollie, have two daughters, 13-year-old Mackenzie and 7-year-old Aislyn.

Wells Fargo Advisor’s Trinity office is at 11300 State Road 54, in Trinity.

For information contact Morris at (727) 815-3033 or .

 

Lowe’s customers donate to MDA
Lowe’s collected more than $7.5 million in donations nationwide for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Shamrocks program, which helps improve the lives of children and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility. As MDA’s largest retailer, Lowe’s has collected more than $57 million in funds since 2001.

Lowe’s stores in Pasco County participated including the Lowe’s at 21500 State Road 54, east of U.S. 41. On St. Patrick’s Day, customers were invited to contribute $1, $5, or more, by adding paper Shamrocks to their store purchases.

For information about the MDA Shamrock’s program, visit mda.org/shamrocks.

Ribbon cutting
Edward Jones will have a ribbon cutting on May 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 15291 Amberly Drive, in New Tampa.

For information, email the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at .

North Tampa chamber meeting
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on May 12, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Speed leads
Try Speed Networking with Full Throttle Intermedia on May 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Pitch your products and services, and meet new contacts. A special catered brunch will be served. Free headshot portraits will be provided.

Park in the rear at the dealership and walk in through the service entrance door. A $15 registration fee is required. Only 40 people can attend.

To register, visit EventBrite.com/e/speed-leads-tickets-24325002738.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Open house
DigitalBrainz will have an open house on May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2648 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The company is located in the Medallion Professional Park. “May the 4th Be with You” kicks off a few hours of fun and networking. Come and join us, and determine if you are part of the light of the dark side of the force! There will be Star Wars prize drawings, including the newest Star Wars movie.
For information, email , or visit OpenHouseMayThe4thBeWithYou.splashthat.com.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet May 4 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. The sponsor for this meeting is the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club Land O’ Lakes Satellite.
Sponsorships for future meetings are available.
For information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Thompson Brand Images will host a ribbon cutting and open house on May 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 1710 Newberger Road in Lutz. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.
For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Women’s luncheon
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. The guest speaker will be Gayle Hanna of UpHill Marketing Group, who will talk about “The Buyers Journey – Understanding Your Content.”
The cost is $15 for members, and $18 for all guests. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.
For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Jack Mariano to speak
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on May 10 at 8 a.m., at Fresh Country Café, 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.
For information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491.

Membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway, in Lutz.
Members and guests are welcome.
Guest speaker will be Ed Caum, Pasco County’s tourism manager.
The cost is $20 if paid by May 6, and $25 after and at the door.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Building R151.
Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.
Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.
Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.
For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Ramada Inn at 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.
RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732 or .

 

Award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Pasco Economic Development Council Industry of the Year Awards is April 29.
Winners will be announced at the 30th annual Appreciation Banquet in September.
The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement.
Nominees should be service, manufacturing or technology companies operating in Pasco County. Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits/others.
The awards will be separated into divisions based on number of employees. Evaluations are based on job creation, increased capital investment, and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2015 and June 2016.
Each year, more than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, attend the awards banquet, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials.
Awards were presented to eight companies in 2015, and the winners were The Laker/Lutz News; Applicant Insight; SAHM Co.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Preferred Materials; Easy Business Software; Veterans Alternative Therapy; and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.
For information, contact Economic Development Manager Devon Barnett at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, or Office Manager Suzanne Renczkowski at (813) 926-0827 or .

Grand opening
The Central Pasco Association of Realtors will host an open house and grand opening at its new location on April 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 248123 State Road 54 in Lutz.
Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and prizes will be offered.
For information, email Pete Rundel at , or visit CPARfl.com.

Breakfast mania
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at American House, at 38130 Pretty Ponds Road in Zephyrhills. A continental breakfast will be provided. To RSVP, call (813) 400-2263.
The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically.
For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Sleep lab ribbon cutting
Bayfront Health Dade City Sleep Lab is relocating and will celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 13100 Fort King Road, in Dade City.
For information, call (877) 232-2717, or visit BayFrontDadeCity.com.

Hair Cuttery helping others
Hair Cuttery and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are teaming up to raise awareness regarding domestic violence and to empower survivors of it. For every haircut purchased at a neighborhood salon on May 2 and May 3, a free haircut certificate will be donated to someone who have suffered from domestic violence locally. To find a location, visit HairCuttery.com/locations.

Open house
DigitalBrainz will have an open house on May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2648 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The company is located in the Medallion Professional Park. “May the 4th Be With You” kicks off a few hours of fun and networking. Come and join us and determine if you are part of the light of the dark side of the force! There will be Star Wars prize drawings, including the newest Star Wars movie.
For information, email , or visit OpenHouseMayThe4thBeWithYou.splashthat.com.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet May 4 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. The sponsor for this meeting is the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club Land O’ Lakes Satellite.
Sponsorships for future meetings are available.
For information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Women in charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. The guest speaker will be Gayle Hanna of UpHill Marketing Group, who will talk about “The Buyers Journey – Understanding Your Content.”
The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com. For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Building R151.
Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.
Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.
Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.
For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Ramada Inn at 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.
RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732 or .

 

 

 

 

Award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Pasco Economic Development Council Industry of the Year Awards is April 29.

Winners will be announced at the 30th annual Appreciation Banquet in September.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement.

Nominees should be service, manufacturing or technology companies operating in Pasco County. Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits/others.

The awards will be separated into divisions based on number of employees. Evaluations are based on job creation, increased capital investment, and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2015 and June 2016.

Each year, more than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, attend the awards banquet, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials.

Awards were presented to eight companies in 2015, and the winners were The Laker/Lutz News; Applicant Insight; SAHM Co.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Preferred Materials; Easy Business Software; Veterans Alternative Therapy; and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Economic Development Manager Devon Barnett at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, or Office Manager Suzanne Renczkowski at (813) 926-0827 or .

Lunch and learn
A Lunch N Learn business forum will take place April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will be Jan O’ Brien, co-founder of Wandering but Not Lost Coaching, a real estate, business, life coach and training company. O’ Brien will offer 20 power tips on “How to Create an All-Star Linkedin Profile.” The Meaning Center LLC is a co-sponsor.

Cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP required, as seating is limited.

For information, contact Loreen O’ Brien at The Meaning Center, at (813) 447-0338, or visit WBNLCoaching.com.

Welcome center
The master-planned community of Asturia will have a grand opening of its Amenity Center on April 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 14701 State Road 54 in Odessa. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres, and tour the new 5,800-square-foot center, with a community clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, resort style swimming pool and open lawn for recreation.

Please RSVP to Jill Fuhrman at (904) 417-9865 or .

For information about Asturia, visit AsturiaFlorida.com.

Chamber mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on April 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Alice Hall Community Center, at 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913 or .

Happy hour & mixer
New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center will host a happy hour and mixer on April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 2312 Crestover Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Beer, wine, appetizers and door prizes will be offered.

For information, contact Theresa Ferrantelli at (727) 255-9449 or .

For information, visit New TampaChiropractor411.com.

Spring mixer
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its Spring Mixer on April 22 at 6 p.m., at Blackstone’s Reef & Grill, at 38361 County Road 54, in Zephyrhills. Guest speaker will be Amanda Keith of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

There will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing that will benefit the foundation.

Please RSVP to Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or ; Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

Ribbon cutting
Chevy of Wesley Chapel will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 26922 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The dealership is one mile west of Interstate 75.

Refreshments will be served at this free event.

RSVP at (727) 216-6470 or .

For information, email .

Grand opening
The Central Pasco Association of Realtors will host an open house and grand opening at its new location on April 27 from 4 p. m. to 6 p.m., at 248123 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and prizes will be offered.

For information, email Pete Rundel at , or visit CPARfl.com.

Breakfast mania
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at American House, at 38130 Pretty Ponds Road in Zephyrhills. A continental breakfast will be provided. To RSVP, call (813) 400-2263.

The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically.

For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Sleep lab ribbon cutting
Bayfront Health Dade City Sleep Lab is relocating and will celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 13100 Fort King Road, in Dade City.

For information, call (877) 232-2717, or visit BayFrontDadeCity.com.

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in building R151.

Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.

Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.

Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.

For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

CABA mixer
Carrollwood Area Business Association will host “CABA after 5” at Shells Seafood Restaurant, 2101 Fowler Ave., on April 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CABA meets every Wednesday for a coffee or “After 5” event that showcases a CABA member’s business. The events are free and open to all CABA members. Guests may attend two of these events prior to joining CABA. No registration is required.

For information on this event, contact David Canady at (813) 304-2170 or .

Ribbon cutting
Signarama and EmbroidMe of New Tampa will celebrate their grand opening at a new location, 1917 Passero Ave., in Lutz, on April 14 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The companies began nearly five years ago in Wesley Chapel. The new site gives them a retail and wholesale storefront, with an adjacent 15,000 square feet of printing and fabrication space. The expanded space makes Signarama the region’s largest sign manufacturing facility north of Tampa, according to sales manager Jim Charos.

The free event will include a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., music, food, refreshments, door prizes and tours of the facility. Among restaurants providing food will be Texas Road House, Latin Twist, Bakery Boutique, Kaixo Gourmet, Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies and Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ. There also will be wine tasting and entertainment from John Jay the DJ. Invited guests include Pasco County Clerk of Court Paula O’Neil, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, and State Rep. Danny Burgess. Area chambers of commerce will also participate including Central Pasco, Wesley Chapel, Hispanic Business Leaders, Zephyrhills, Dade City and Trinity-Odessa. All proceeds from the door prizes will be donated to the Pasco Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

For information, contact Signarama at (813) 994-0101, or email .

North Tampa chamber meeting
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on April 14, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

CareerSource mobile stop
The CareerSource Mobile One-Stop bus will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., on April 14 starting at 9:30 a.m.

Those interested can get help in searching for work, creating and printing resumes, accessing local and statewide job listings, and getting information about programs provided by CareerSource. The mobile unit is a self-contained resource room on wheels with 12 computer stations, satellite internet and telecommunications, and printing and copying capabilities.

There is no cost for job seekers.

Pharmacy ribbon cutting
Palms Pharmacy will have a ribbon cutting and open house on April 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17008 Palm Pointe Drive in New Tampa. Come enjoy refreshments, a special customer giveaway (while supplies last) and a drawing for a Kindle Fire or a FitBit.

For information, contact Shahida Choudhry at (813) 252-9063.

Grants for women
Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants that can be used toward business-related equipment, services or continuing education. The mission of Women-n-Charge, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Applications are available online and are due April 15. Winners will be announced at the May 6 meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The guest speaker will be Robert Chavarrica of the Small Business Administration.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $18 if prepaid.

For information, contact John Jay Anglada, of Finest DeeJays, at (813) 298-3232.

Realtors hope to inspire others
Sunlight Realty LLC, in Wesley Chapel, is taking a leadership role in encouraging local businesses to become active in collecting food for those in need.

Real estate broker Sam Turgeon, his wife and real estate agent Winifred Turgeon, and real estate agent Brittany Miller are organizing collections of canned goods and other food items on behalf of the Atonement Lutheran Church Food Bank.

For information, or to become a collection drop-off site for food donations, call Sunlight Realty at (813) 990-0205, or email .

Food also may be dropped off at Sunlight Realty, at 8913 Regents Park Drive, Suite 610, in Tampa.

Business expansion
Thomas Giella is relocating his start-up business, Gear Spinners, to 25344 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 104, in Lutz. The company offers website design for small- and mid-sized businesses. Nearly two years ago, Giella began as a one-man operation at the SMARTstart Pasco Business site in Dade City.

Giella will continue as an off-site member of SMARTstart.

He now has five employees and has added two divisions, one offering complete IT services and another – Tampa Bay Installs – offering audio and visual installations to residential and commercial customers, including wireless speakers and WiFi systems.

For information, call (813) 235-0554, or visit CompleteIt.io.

One-year anniversary
Land O’ Lakes Winery celebrated its one-year anniversary with a party to launch its own wine brand on March 26. Owners Sue Hardy and Corey Kempton entertained guests with live music, a food truck, winery tours, wine and gift giveaways.

The winery, at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, teaches courses in how to make wines. The handcrafted brand of wine – Super Tuscan – is made, bottled and labeled at the winery.

For information call (813) 995-9463, visit LandOLakesWinery.com, or become a follower on Facebook at LandOLakesWinery.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be State Rep. Danny Burgess.

The breakfast sponsor is Ron Oakley, and Bahr’s Propane Gas and A/C.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Network shindig
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its 2016 NetFest on April 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Starkey Ranch Welcome Center, at 2500 Heart Pine Ave., in Odessa. This is a chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders at Pasco County’s largest, annual networking shindig.

The cost is $45 per person, or $35 for Pasco EDC investors and their guests. Enjoy a barbecue buffet, including two drink tickets and country music entertainment.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com, or call (813) 926-0827.

Membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Harbor Heritage Parkway, in Lutz.

Guest speakers will be Kelly Mothershead and Celeste Kellar of Pepin Academies in Pasco County. Learn about this charter school, its services and how the community and business can partner to help.

RSVP by April 8 and the lunch cost is $20. After that, the cost is $25. Members and guests are welcome.

Oasis Pregnancy Care Center is this month’s sponsor.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on April 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., in the Saint Leo University board room in the Student Community Center, at 33701 State Road 52 in the town of St. Leo. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking an an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

The guest speaker is Ali Walter of Ali Ann & Co., Your Profit Boss.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, or email .